1st LD Writethru: Philippine lawmaker, police escort shot dead in Albay province

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MANILA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- A Philippine lawmaker and his police escort were shot dead Saturday afternoon while attending a gift-giving event for senior citizens and persons with disabilities in northern Philippines' Albay province.

Local police said Rodel Batocabe, 52, a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, was gunned down around 3 pm local time at the covered court of Burgos, a village in Daraga, south of Manila.

Philippine presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo described it as a senseless killing and condemned the assassination on Saturday night.

"Proper authorities are now investigating this brazen murder as we vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this felonious act to justice," Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said the presidential palace had already expressed its deep condolences to Batocabe's bereaved family, his loved ones, as well as his friends and colleagues in Congress during "this moment of great grief."

Local police are still piecing together details of the assassination. And so far, no group has claimed responsibility for the killing.

Police said Batocabe and his security escort were taken to a hospital but declared dead on arrival.

The Philippine midterm election is scheduled in May next year. More than 18,000 national and local positions, like senators, congressmen, governors and city mayors, will be up for election.

Batocabe is reportedly running for the mayor of Daraga where he is a resident.

Police are investigating whether the killing is related to the forthcoming election. Enditem

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